CHOOSING ACCOMMODATION

There are a wide variety of hotels in India, and while the government of India has a classification system, standards and costs can widely vary. We have tried to broadly group the accommodations as follows:

LUXURY RESORTS & HOTELSThese are the best of India’s hotels and many of them are once in a lifetime experiences. Examples are the Oberoi Vilas hotels, Leela Hotels, Park Hyatt, the luxury chain of Taj hotels, several top-end wildlife lodges, and some palace hotels. Prices here range from INR 10,000 - 15,000 (US$ 160-250) per person per night on twin-share.

BOUTIQUE HOTELS & RESORTS These are smaller hotels with under 50-rooms, some with just 10 rooms. They are stylish, characterful, and intimate and much better than staying in regular 3 or 4 star hotels. We tend to use hotels in this category. The hotels are mostly owner managed stand-alone properties, or boutique regional chains. Examples are the CGH Earth Hotels in South India. Prices range from INR 5,000 – INR 10,000 (US$ 80-160) per person per night.

FOUR STAR HOTELS & RESORTSHotels that offer expected standards of full-service. Most tend to be well known large Indian regional chains, or mid-market portfolio of luxury hotel chains. Examples are Carlson, Vivanta by Taj, Trident by Oberoi, and ITC Sheratons. Prices range from INR 4,000 – INR 6,000 (US$ 70-90) per person per night.

THREE STAR HOTELSMid-range cookie cutter hotel chains, such as Holiday Inn, or smaller standalone Indian business hotels or holiday resorts. Prices range from INR 2,500 – 3,500 (US$ 40-60) per person per night.

GUEST HOUSES, B&Bs AND HOMESTAYSLovely homes in the big cities as well as in tourist destinations. Stylish and characterful, but limited services. Wide variety from modestly priced homestays to high-end boutique guest houses. An excellent way to really immerse yourself in India. Prices range from INR 1,500 – 3,500 (US$ 25-60) per person per night.

Hotel tariffs in India are almost all rupee-based. Tariffs change depending upon the season. Low season runs from June-September, high season in the tourist destinations runs from October to March. The summer period of April & May experiences low prices in the plains and on the coast. In the hills, prices can reflect high season tariffs. A peak season surcharge normally applies from 20 December to 10 January. Christmas and New Year’s Eve attract mandatory supplements.

During the November-February period, most hotels will require 100% advance payment with stiff penalties for late cancellations. Peak season bookings need 100% immediate payment (irrespective of when you book) and are non-refundable.

Guideline prices above are high season prices with breakfast included and on double or twin occupancy. Our team constantly monitors the hotels we use, and as far as possible, we physically inspect every hotel that we sell.